Warning of CO, CO2 gas poisoning when using generators
Due to the impact of storm No. 5, many areas are currently experiencing widespread power outages. To temporarily have electricity for daily life, many people have used gasoline generators. However, improper use of generators can lead to CO and CO2 poisoning, causing serious health effects and even death.
On August 26, Ky Anh Medical Center (Ha Tinh province) received two patients in a coma, suspected of being suffocated by CO gas.
According to initial information, due to the impact of storm No. 5, there was a power outage in Ky Anh commune. On the evening of August 25, Ms. T. and Mr. A.'s family started the generator to use fans, lights and other equipment, then both of them slept in the house. The generator was placed in the hallway but connected to the bedroom, when the generator started, the exhaust gas spread into the room, causing both of them to suffocate and fall into a coma.
On the morning of August 26, relatives discovered the critical condition of Ms. T. and Mr. A. and immediately took them to Ky Anh Medical Center for emergency treatment. Upon admission, both patients were in a state of drowsiness and difficulty breathing. After initial first aid, the patients were transferred to a higher level for further emergency care and treatment.
Previously, due to the impact of storm No. 3 (in September 2024), Hai Phong City experienced widespread power outages and a 9-year-old patient had to be rushed to the emergency room due to CO suffocation from the generator.
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Experts warn that using a generator in a closed room is very dangerous, because generators emit a lot of CO gas.2, CO to burn oxygen. When burning too much oxygen, CO gas2and CO will increase.
Dr. Bui Anh Son - Head of the Respiratory Department of Nghe An Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital said that when generators operate in a closed room, they will use the oxygen in the room to burn fuel. When the amount of oxygen in the room runs out, the amount of CO2will gradually increase and at the same time form more CO gas.
Mixture of CO and CO2extremely dangerous, with a very high risk of death. In which CO gas2causing suffocation, coma; CO gas will bind to hemoglobin (Hb) in red blood cells, preventing blood from carrying oxygen to body cells.
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Meanwhile, these gases are colorless, tasteless, and odorless, making them difficult to detect. When poisoned, the victim will have symptoms of headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, chest pain, vomiting, blurred vision, confusion, and convulsions. They can even lead to death if not treated promptly.
The recommendation, according to Dr. Bui Anh Son, is that when using a generator, it should be placed in a well-ventilated area. Absolutely do not place it in a closed room or a small, cramped room. When detecting victims suffering from suffocation, quickly open the doors to let air in. At the same time, quickly take the patient out of the toxic gas area. If the patient is breathing poorly or is unconscious, immediately perform artificial respiration and take them to the nearest hospital.
After the storm No. 5 caused widespread power outages, many families used generators to maintain their daily activities. Doctors recommended that people using generators should place them in rooms with air circulation to let the exhaust gas escape, not in closed rooms, or the generator should be kept separate from the living area.
When buying a generator, people should also pay attention to choosing products with clear origins, guaranteed quality and safety inspection by competent authorities. At the same time, be strict in fuel storage and periodic maintenance to ensure safety when using the machine.
